Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) National Organiser Tissa Attanayake has announced his withdrawal from negotiations with the United National Party (UNP), citing internal mudslinging directed at him and the party’s chairman by a faction within the SJB.

Speaking at a media briefing today (16 January), Attanayake emphasised that the decision to engage in talks with the UNP was made by the party’s Working Committee and was not a personal initiative. He criticised certain party members for publicly attacking the discussions despite their approval by the Working Committee.

“Our own party members are criticising us and the negotiating team on social media. If the Samagi Jana Balawegaya Working Committee was against these talks, they should have voiced their concerns at the committee meeting itself and closed the discussion there. Instead, they are resorting to online slander,” he stated.

He further accused some members of seeking party positions—such as national organiser, general secretary, and chairman—by undermining others. “If you have talent, prove yourself and earn those positions. Throwing mud at others will not help you secure them,” he added.

Attanayake confirmed that he would step back from the discussions until the party’s Working Committee and Development Committee reassess the matter. However, he did not rule out rejoining the talks if the party reached a consensus.

He also noted that of the six-member negotiating team, only two individuals were being targeted, raising suspicions of an ulterior motive.